Semi-trucks and trailers are a huge part of the North American economy, with many companies relying on them for their product transportation. At Ainsworth Trailer Repair, we have drawn upon our extensive trailer service experience to compile a list of 9 things that you may be surprised to learn about semi-trucks and trailers.
1. Origin of the “semi” prefix
Semi-trailers, also called tractor-trailers, received their name due to the fact that the trailer can only be used when it is connected to the tractor part of the truck.
2. Homes of the trucks
California, Texas and Florida are home to a whopping one-third of the 1,900,000 semi-trucks owned in the United States. Overall, there are approximately 3.2 million truck drivers in the United States, making this number even more impressive.
3. Long-distance kings
Although semi-trucks only make up around 15% of all of the commercial trucks in the United States, they travel 42% of the total miles driven by this 15%. Each year, the average semi-truck drives approximately 45,000 miles.
4. They’re becoming increasingly fuel-efficient
Back in 1973, semi-trucks got around 5.6 miles per gallon of diesel. Due to advances in engines and aerodynamics over the years, today they get about 6.5 miles per gallon. Although they can’t be considered “fuel efficient” by any normal vehicle standard, you also have to remember that trucks haul up to 80,000 pounds of cargo on one fully loaded trailer.
5. #1 choice of transportation
Semi-trucks are responsible for transporting approximately 68% of all goods in the United States, which is roughly 60,000 pounds per American annually. This number is a clear testament to the necessity of trailer service in North America.
6. They have maximum legal weights
In the United States, semi-trucks are not legally allowed to exceed a weight of 80,000 pounds across 18 wheels. However, in Australia where there are more open spaces, they can weigh over 300,000 pounds across four trailers.
7. Top-sellers
The Freightliner is the highest selling brand of semi-truck, consisting of about one-third of the 190,000 semi-trucks sold per year. Along with the Western Star Brand, the Freightliner is owned by Daimler Trucks North America.
8. Antilock brakes are required
Since 1997, antilock brakes have been required on semi-trucks to reduce the number of accidents. Antilock brakes are a great way to avoid jackknife crashes, and since the requirement was put in place, these types of crashes have decreased. At Ainsworth Trailer Repair, we can expertly install antilock brakes using our quality trailer service.
9. How much torque do they need?
Turbocharged diesel engines such as the Detroit Diesel DD15, which weighs 2,880 pounds, need to put out anywhere from 1,200 to 2,050 pounds per foot of torque to keep their massive weight moving.
Our years of experience at Ainsworth Trailer Repair have given us insight into many different aspects of trailers. We understand the industry and the unique challenges that trailer owners face when they need repairs.. For any additional questions you may have regarding your trailer or trailer service, feel free to give us a call anytime.
